Arrest Made in Bank Robbery Spree

U.S. Attorney’s Office
October 26, 2009

Southern District of Iowa(515) 473-9300

DES MOINES, IA—On October 26, 2009, Jason Lee Bowers, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters for his initial appearance in federal court after his arrest for four area bank robberies, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2113(a) and (d), announced United States Attorney Matthew G. Whitaker. Bowers is in custody pending further proceedings.

This was the joint cooperation of law enforcement including the fusion center in cooperation and coordination with the FBI that resulted in the arrest of Bowers on Friday, October 23rd, after the robbery of four banks: the South Story Bank, Slater, Iowa (October 9th); Farmers & Merchants State Bank, St. Charles, Iowa (October 16, 2009); Peoples Bank & Trust, Rippey, Iowa (October 17, 2009); and First Trust Savings Bank, Oxford, Iowa (October 21, 2009).

“Information sharing makes law enforcement more effective. And that is precisely the role of the State of Iowa Intelligence Fusion Center at DPS, and the Iowa Law Enforcement Intelligence Network. We’re proud to have helped link these robberies together with other local, state, and federal agencies, and we’re pleased to have been there with our partners throughout the investigation, and during the apprehension of those responsible for these dangerous crimes” said Russell M. Porter, Director of the State of Iowa Intelligence Fusion Center, Department of Public Safety.

The State of Iowa Intelligence Fusion Center at the Department of Public Safety includes personnel from DPS (including the Division of Criminal Investigation, the Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Iowa State Patrol, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Also, county sheriffs from Madison, Story, Greene and Johnson Counties in Iowa were involved in the investigation. And, at the request of public safety officials, ClearChannel allowed law enforcement to use their billboards for no charge.

In accordance with the Iowa Rules of Professional Conduct, the public is reminded that a complaint is merely an accusation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Additionally, because this matter is pending in the United States District Court, the United States Attorney’s Office does not anticipate making any further comment or statement at this time.